The Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has cut the sod for the construction of a five-storey SRC Hall Annex.
The facility would comprise 244 rooms, libraries, two study rooms on each floor, offices, a student clinic, and other essential facilities.
The initiative, funded solely by the SRC, forms part of a broader effort to tackle long-standing student accommodation challenges in the University.
It is being constructed by the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM) of UCC.
At a brief ceremony to break ground for the construction, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Denis Aheto, said the project was part of plans to increase residential facilities at the University.
He admitted that the University was facing a critical housing deficit for students.
"The existing campus facilities cannot meet the needs of our growing student population, and this limitation has directly affected enrolment. Most of our students depend on private hostels around campus and within surrounding communities, exposing them to several vices, security risks, and threats," he explained.
Prof. Aheto indicated that the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the SRC Hall Annex marked a significant milestone for students, parents, guardians, and management.
"This project embodies the aspirations of our students and reflects the unwavering commitment of leadership to provide an enabling environment for growth and excellence," he stressed.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor commended the SRC Executives, especially the N. K. Ntim-led administration, for their foresight and dedication in championing this initiative.
"True leadership is not only about representing the voices of today but also about laying firm foundations for tomorrow. This project is a shining example of student leadership guided by vision, responsibility, and service," he stressed.
Prof. Aheto added that the SRC had committed nine million Ghana cedis to commence construction for the project and implored successive executives to contribute financially to the SRC Development Fund to enable the project to see the light of day.
He reiterated that management was committed, through engagement with several private sector investors on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, to addressing critical infrastructure deficits, particularly students’ residential facilities.
"Already, three proposals have been received from private developers (China, South Africa, and Ghana) aimed at constructing 10,000-unit hostels, which are currently under evaluation," he added.
He urged members of the University community to continue working together with Management to build a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility.
"To our current student leaders, I urge you to liaise with Management and other stakeholders to solve emerging issues confronting our student body," he stated.
For his part, the SRC President, Kwame Ntiamoah Ntim, pledged the SRC's resolve to see the successful completion of the project.
The Acting Deputy Director of the Directorate of Physical Development and Estate Management (DPDEM), Mr. Ebenezer Ekow Sackey, assured the student body and management of quality and speedy delivery of work.
The Registrar, Mr. Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, the Director of DPDEM, Mr. Philip Ntim; the Dean of Students, Prof. Daniel Apaak, as well as representatives of students, graced the sod-cutting.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
